Question 1

What are lunges?

Accepted Answer

Lunges are a type of bodyweight or resistance exercise that targets the lower body. They involve stepping into a split stance and lowering your body by bending both knees, working major muscle groups like the quads, glutes, and hamstrings.

Question 2

What are lunges good for?

Accepted Answer

Lunges are excellent for building lower-body strength, improving balance, increasing hip mobility, and correcting muscular imbalances. They also enhance functional movement and can help prevent injuries.

Question 3

Why are lunges so hard?

Accepted Answer

Lunges challenge multiple muscle groups and require balance, coordination, and core stability—all at once. Because they work each leg independently, they expose and correct weaknesses, which can feel difficult, especially at first.

Question 4

Are lunges better than squats?

Accepted Answer

Lunges and squats both offer unique benefits. Squats are ideal for building maximal strength through both legs simultaneously, while lunges train each leg individually, improving stability, symmetry, and balance. Ideally, both should be included in a well-rounded program.

Question 5

Are lunges bad for your knees?

Accepted Answer

When done with proper form, lunges are not bad for your knees. In fact, they can strengthen the muscles and joints that support knee stability, making them one of the best exercises for knee pain. If you experience knee pain, starting with reverse lunges or reducing depth may help.

Question 6

Are lunges good for glutes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lunges are one of the best exercises for activating the glute muscles—especially reverse lunges, walking lunges, and curtsy lunges, which emphasize hip extension and glute engagement.

Question 7

Are lunges a compound exercise?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lunges are a compound movement because they work multiple joints and muscle groups at the same time, including the hips, knees, and ankles, as well as the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core.

Question 8

Are lunges good for hamstrings?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Lunges engage the hamstrings as stabilizers and assist in hip extension, particularly during reverse lunges and seesaw lunges.

Question 9

Are lunges aerobic or anaerobic?

Accepted Answer

Lunges are primarily an anaerobic strength-training exercise. However, when performed at a high volume or as part of a circuit, they can also elevate your heart rate and provide aerobic conditioning benefits.

Question 10

Are lunges and Bulgarian split squats the same?

Accepted Answer

While similar, they are not the same. Lunges involve stepping into the lunge position, while Bulgarian split squats keep the rear foot elevated and stationary, increasing the load on the front leg and making them more challenging.

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